Telangana’s Abhi Chandra Clinches Two Medals at Special Olympics Nationals

Dehradun, July 2026 : Determination, discipline and an unyielding passion for sport defined the remarkable performance of Telangana’s Abhi Chandra, who overcame illness to clinch two medals at the Special Olympics Bharat National Championship for Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating, which concluded on Tuesday at the Himadri Ice Skating Rink in Dehradun. While Haryana emerged as the overall champion, Abhi’s inspiring journey became one of the defining stories of the four-day championship, proving that true champions are forged through resilience and commitment.

The prestigious national championship brought together athletes from 11 states, who competed in Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating events. The competition celebrated not only sporting excellence but also inclusion, perseverance and the indomitable spirit of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

For Abhi Chandra, the road to the podium was anything but easy. Known for his unwavering commitment towards the sport, Abhi has consistently followed a demanding training schedule, waking up before dawn every day to spend hours on the ice perfecting his technique, improving his speed and building endurance. His dedication has earned him admiration from coaches and fellow athletes alike.

However, just days before the championship, Abhi fell unwell, raising concerns about whether he would be able to compete at his best. Despite his health setback, he refused to let the illness derail months of hard work and preparation. Determined to represent Telangana with pride, Abhi recovered sufficiently to take the ice, displaying remarkable courage and mental strength throughout the competition.

His perseverance paid rich dividends. Abhi produced two outstanding performances in the Short Track Speed Skating events, winning the Silver Medal in the 222-metre race and following it up with a Bronze Medal in the 333-metre event. His achievements brought immense pride to Telangana and stood as a testament to his discipline, commitment and never-say-die attitude.

Coaches and officials praised Abhi’s fighting spirit, noting that his medals were the result of months of relentless preparation rather than a single day’s performance. His ability to overcome physical discomfort and perform under pressure inspired not only his teammates but also athletes from across the country.

The championship concluded with a grand Prize Distribution and Closing Ceremony attended by Amitabh Sharma, President of the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI), along with senior officials from the Government of Uttarakhand and Special Olympics Bharat. The dignitaries presented medals and participation certificates to athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances throughout the championship.

One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was an interactive session led by Cheeli Rajasekhar, Sports Expert with Special Olympics Bharat. He met parents and coaches to discuss the roadmap towards the Special Olympics World Winter Games, Switzerland 2029, outlining future national training camps and the athlete selection process.

Rajasekhar emphasised the importance of structured coaching, systematic preparation and long-term athlete development. He also encouraged parents to share suggestions on improving training programmes, underlining Special Olympics Bharat’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where athletes can realise their full potential.

Addressing the gathering, Amitabh Sharma congratulated every athlete for their dedication and sportsmanship. He encouraged participants to continue training with discipline, reminding them that consistent effort is the foundation of success at both national and international levels. He also acknowledged the invaluable role played by parents, coaches and support staff in every athlete’s journey.

The championship saw Haryana dominate the medal tally, emerging as the overall champion after securing the highest number of medals across various events. The state’s impressive performance reinforced its growing strength in winter sports within the Special Olympics movement.

Beyond the competition, the event highlighted the values that define the Special Olympics movement. Athletes from across India displayed extraordinary camaraderie, cheering each other on regardless of state affiliations. The friendships formed, mutual encouragement and joyful celebrations both on and off the ice reflected the true essence of inclusive sport.

For Telangana, however, one of the biggest takeaways was the inspiring performance of Abhi Chandra. His story extended beyond medals—it was about resilience, discipline and the courage to compete despite adversity. His early morning training sessions, unwavering focus and refusal to give up even after falling ill exemplified the qualities that define a true sportsperson.

As athletes, coaches and families departed Dehradun, the championship ended on a high note, marking another important milestone in the growth of winter sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities in India. It also marked the beginning of preparations for the journey towards the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2029 in Switzerland, where many of these talented athletes hope to represent the country on the global stage.

For Abhi Chandra, the two medals are not merely additions to his collection but symbols of determination, sacrifice and an unshakeable belief that hard work eventually delivers success. His inspiring performance has made Telangana proud and serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and commitment can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Team Maverick